A new storm is threatening islands in the Caribbean as well as the US gulf coast, and more are on the way.

Tropical storm Hanna has been downgraded from Hurricane status as it lashes the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the Bahamas.

But forecasters warn it could regain strength as it approaches the south-eastern US coastline.

Storm warnings have been issued and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) warns travellers and visitors to the region should monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities.

The Turks and Caicos Islands airport was closed yesterday and a number of cruise ships have been forced to alter schedules.

Hanna follows closely on the heels of the devastating hurricane Gustav and two more storms – Ike and Josephine – have formed in the mid- and eastern- Atlantic.